Dive Site: The Wife

Dive site facts: The Wife

Depth

34 m (110 ft)

Current

Moderate

Visibility

18–40 m (60–132 ft)

Water temperature

27–31°C (80–88°F)

Entry

Boat

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Wreck, Deep

Region / port

Roatan, Honduras

Coordinates

16.3074° N, 86.5947° W

Conditions & Currents

While specific current information for "The Wife" is not detailed in the sources, Roatan's dive sites can experience varying current conditions, especially for deep wrecks or wall dives. Drift dives are common in the region, relying on ocean currents to move divers along the reef. Careful attention to the dive briefing is essential to understand expected current direction, entry, and exit procedures, which might include negative buoyancy entries to avoid surface currents. Divers should be prepared for potential parallel currents at different depths, and observation of fish behavior or soft coral movement can indicate current strength and direction. Air consumption and depth management become critical in these conditions, especially on deep profiles.

Marine life & sighting chances

Eagle Ray

common

Snapper

common

Barracuda

common

Grouper

common

Jack

common

Parrotfish

common

Angelfish

common

Butterflyfish

common

Seahorse

occasional

Nudibranch

occasional

Sea Turtle

common

Hammerhead Shark

rare

Manta Ray

rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

The Wife is a deep wreck site, located at approximately 34 meters (110 feet) on a sand channel near the edge of the reef. The dive typically begins with a boat entry, followed by a descent to the wreck. Divers explore the structure, which is wide open and allows for penetration by experienced divers. Due to the depth, careful monitoring of bottom time and gas consumption is paramount. The dive plan prioritizes efficient exploration of the wreck while adhering to no-decompression limits. The return ascent involves a gradual climb, often incorporating exploration of the shallower reef areas adjacent to the wreck. A safety stop at 5 meters (15 feet) for at least three minutes is mandatory before surfacing, ensuring careful off-gassing after the deep profile.

Underwater photography

For photography at The Wife, a wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the expansive wreck structure and its surrounding environment, as the site is relatively deep and allows for good visibility. Consider bringing external strobes to illuminate the interior of the wreck or to add color to subjects at depth, compensating for light absorption. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial, especially when exploring inside the wreck, to avoid disturbing sediment or damaging the delicate marine growth. Due to the depth and potential for limited light penetration, practicing natural light photography techniques, such as shooting upwards towards the surface, can yield dramatic results. Always be mindful of your dive computer and gas supply, as deep photography can be demanding.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Mr. Bud Wreck

  A cargo/shrimp boat wreck near The Wife

• Prince Albert

  Another popular wreck for advanced training

• Mary's Place

  Known for fantastic swim-throughs and corals

• Hole in the Wall

  Deep tunnel and wall dive with shallow caves

• West End Wall

  A drift dive with spectacular views and pelagic sightings

Getting there & logistics

Access to Roatan is typically via Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport (RTB). Most dive trips to The Wife depart from operators located in West End or West Bay, areas with a high concentration of dive centers. Given its depth and advanced nature, this site is usually part of a multi-day dive package or included in specific wreck/deep diver specialty training itineraries. Dive operations often include transportation to and from dive sites via boat. While no specific permit or park fees are mentioned for The Wife, general marine park fees might apply to diving in Roatan's protected areas. Week-long trips are commonly recommended to experience diverse sites and allow for proper planning of deeper dives.

Safety & environment

Diving The Wife requires adherence to strict safety protocols due to its depth. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Roatan at the Roatan Hyperbaric Chamber, which is critical for any decompression-related incidents. Divers must carry adequate dive insurance that covers hyperbaric treatment and emergency evacuation. Site-specific hazards include the deep profile requiring careful bottom time and gas management, as well as potential for current, especially near the wreck structure. Divers should possess advanced certification and experience with deep dives or wreck diving, and always dive with a guide. Conduct rules emphasize no touching of the wreck or marine life to prevent injury and preserve the site.

Who it suits, and who it doesn't

FAQ

The Wife FAQ

Liveaboards diving The Wife

These liveaboards may visit The Wife on selected itineraries, the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Roatan Aggressor

Honduras

18 guests31 m